Like all other rooms, fixtures, and features in your home, your bathroom will also require an upgrade sometime in the future.

When your bathroom is starting to look outdated, and when the usual repairs and aesthetic improvements are not working anymore, you need to have this room renovated as soon as possible.

However, there will be instances wherein you won’t need to invest in a complete renovation. You may only need a bathroom plumbing upgrade. With this, you will have a fully functional and appealing room where you can do all your personal hygiene activities faster. 

When to Replace Your Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures

There are signs that indicate you need to upgrade your bathroom fixtures immediately. Some of these warnings and hints are noticeable, while others are harder to pinpoint.

Knowing these signs will allow you to upgrade damaged and old bathroom fixtures before they turn into bigger problems. You will avoid paying more for costlier renovation and repair works as well.

If you want to know when to upgrade the plumbing fixtures in your bathroom and avoid more complex problems that are harder and more expensive to fix, be on the lookout for these signs .

1. Leaks and water issues

A leaking tap can often be fixed by tightening the fixture itself or the pipe. But if it continues to drip and water has already started to trickle from the shower head continuously, it may be time to give your bathroom plumbing fixtures an upgrade.

Keep in mind that even the smallest leak can cause damaging water stains and weaken the floor. As such, have this issue addressed quickly, even if the taps are only dribbling small drops water every minute or so.

Additionally, be vigilant against typical plumbing issues that may seem trivial but can cause a lot of problems in the future. For instance, if running your bathtub leaves a pool of water on the floor, this is a clear sign that the hardware is not sealed correctly.

Be on the lookout for drainage issues that do not seem to go away as well. Sinks, showers, and tubs that drain slowly are signs that a clog or water that is not going where it should.

Lastly, be wary of pools of water outside the tub or shower area after draining since they usually indicate the presence of moisture on the floor. This is an issue that should be handled by a qualified plumber.

2. Low water pressure

When the water coming out of the tap and shower is not as strong as it was before and you are already annoyed by this, call a plumber to check and replace your plumbing fixtures as soon as possible.

If the water volume in your bathroom is poor, this usually means that the pipes have started to degrade and their diameters are narrowing. This will affect all water sources, but it will be most noticeable with your shower.

Low water pressure and volume will affect the refill rate on the toilet as well. This particular plumbing issue typically calls for a full pipe replacement.

3. Poor water quality

Foul-smelling, rusty, or discolored water coming out of your taps and shower are two of the worst bathroom plumbing issues that you will ever face.

When your fixtures are releasing water with a bad odor and have a brown or yellow color, it may mean that your pipes are already severely corroded. They may also be exposed to contaminants or have abnormally high iron content. 

Another possible reason for the poor water quality in your bathroom is your water heater. Many water heaters, particularly older models, contain rods or steel cores covered in aluminum, magnesium, or zinc.

These rods, which are also known as sacrificial anodes, attract bacterial and corrosive substances in the hot water tank. As a result, they prevent these harmful elements from entering your pipes.

However, these rods will also break down eventually due to wear and tear. Once they stop working, they can cause your shower and taps to release odorous and discolored water.

Whether you need to have your pipes or water heater upgraded or both, always have these issues fixed by a plumber, preferably one with experience with hot water plumbing.

4. Presence of mold or mildew

When you see mold or smell mildew in your bathroom, be prepared to have some pipes replaced.

The presence of mold on the walls or ceiling is a sign that there is a water leak. This is usually the same issue when your bathroom smells of mildew. It is crucial to find the source and have it fixed immediately since a prolonged pipe leakage can compromise the structural integrity of your bathroom and even your home.

Be on the lookout for small leaks due to blocked drains and poor sealing around the toilet and shower as well since they can also lead to mold and mildew.

To prevent further damage to your bathroom and possibly your home, have a plumber replace any hidden leaking pipes straightaway.

5. Old and defective plumbing hardware

Lastly, when your faucets, pipes, and other fixtures look old and have noticeable blemishes and damages, do not hesitate to invest in a plumbing upgrade.

Aside from making your bathroom look dated, old plumbing fixtures can be harmful to your health too. Metal that comes off from the hardware can be mixed in the water, which you may ingest or get in your eyes. These can cause you to develop different ailments.

To ensure your new plumbing hardware is safe and installed properly, leave the work to a trusted plumber.

Upgrading your plumbing system or fixture will not only improve the look of your bathroom; it will make it healthier and safer to use as well. As such, when you notice the signs above, call a plumber and have the necessary work done immediately.

Author Bio: Based in South Melbourne, Blue Diamond Plumbing was founded in 1985, working on new homes, repairs and commercial contracts. Over time they have grown to become some of the best plumbers Melbourne has to offer. Since 2001 the company has specialised in Emergency Plumbing and Property Maintenance, Repairs and Renovations for homes and businesses in Melbourne and inner city suburbs. Owner Rod Diamond has over 30 years’ experience with emergency plumbing in Melbourne’s inner suburbs.